Mindful Sobriety The Podcast Podcast Por Jane W Ballard and Amanda Cable arte de portada

Mindful Sobriety The Podcast

Mindful Sobriety The Podcast

De: Jane W Ballard and Amanda Cable
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Welcome to the Mindful Sobriety Podcast, where two wellness practitioners and friends join forces to change the narrative around living alcohol free. Drawing from their professional backgrounds in psychotherapy, sobriety coaching, and yoga, Jane and Amanda provide practical tools to nurture emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Join them as they uncover personal narratives of hope, healing and creating a life so fulfilling that alcohol is irrelevant. Whether you're on your own journey to sobriety or seeking inspiration for uncovering your full potential, this podcast is your go-to resource for balanced, joyful living.© 2025 Jane W Ballard and Amanda Cable Desarrollo Personal Higiene y Vida Saludable Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • When You Can’t Moderate Anymore: A Conversation About Binge Drinking & Becoming Free with Colleen

    When You Can’t Moderate Anymore: A Conversation About Binge Drinking & Becoming Free with Colleen
    Nov 21 2025
    In this episode of Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast, Jane is welcomes back a beloved returning guest, Colleen Clifford—binge-drinking survivor, commercial fisherwoman, and alcohol-free & health coach.Jane and Colleen recorded their first conversation almost exactly a year ago, and since then Jane has reached 1,000 days alcohol-free and Colleen has continued to build a beautiful, full life in her 60s—anchored in sobriety, service, and deep connection.Together they dive into the realities of binge drinking, the terror and science of blackouts, the language we use around suicide, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Colleen shares about her late husband’s death by suicide, her ongoing healing, and how her upcoming book Life Beyond Binge Drinking is part love letter, part wake-up call for anyone caught in the binge cycle. They also talk about Bali retreats, horses, inner child joy, and why life can actually feel more vibrant, playful, and hopeful without alcohol.In This Episode, We Explore:A podcast & sobriety milestoneJane celebrates 1,000 days alcohol-free on the summer solsticeHow growth and self-discovery keep unfolding well beyond the first sober yearColleen’s story: from binge drinking to “life beyond”Her 40-year relationship with alcohol and why she calls herself a “binge drinking survivor”The moment she woke up after driving home drunk with one eye closed—and knew something had to changeWhy the 2% of the time she couldn’t moderate kept her stuck for yearsBlackouts & the brainWhat actually happens in the brain during a blackoutWhy those memories truly are not recoverableHow blackouts fuel denial, shame, and confusion for drinkers and loved onesTalking honestly about suicide & alcoholWhy Colleen uses the language “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”How binge drinking can push someone over the edge, especially with underlying mental health strugglesThe compassion of seeing suicide as a tragic outcome of illness, not a moral failingAsking for help when you’re the “strong one”Colleen’s struggle with independence, pride, and the belief that she had to do everything aloneHow hard it can be to receive support when you’re used to being the helperReframing asking for help as an act of courage and a compliment to the people you trustLife at 62: full-hearted, alcohol-free, and evolvingWhy Colleen is genuinely excited about agingRedefining success beyond income: impact, connection, and legacy moments people “never forget”Volunteering with hippotherapy, horses, and the healing power of animal connectionInner child joy & alcohol-free livingHow sobriety reopens space for play, creativity, and natureBali retreat memories, laughing in the water, flowers, animals, and letting the inner child leadGiving yourself permission to be a beginner again and follow what lights you upPractical hope for anyone stuck in a binge cycleThe shame spiral of “I know better, so why can’t I stop?”Gentle first steps: lurking in online groups, turning camera off in meetings, or simply listeningHow coaches, communities, and peer support can help you untangle your “ball of yarn” and take one tiny step forwardResources Mentioned988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support if you or someone you love is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide.Women for Sobriety – A free, women-centered recovery community and meeting platform.Recovery communities & support options (examples you can link):Recovery DharmaSMART RecoveryAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)Al-Anon (for loved ones of those struggling with addiction)Online alcohol-free communities – Facebook groups and online forums where you can start by simply reading and noticing what resonates.Connect with ColleenEmail: Colleen@purepotential.healthWebsite: purepotential.healthInstagram: @purepotentialhealthLinkedIn: Search “Pure Potential Health – Colleen Clifford”Connect with Jane & Mindful SobrietyInstagram: @janeballardwellnessPodcast: Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast (wherever you listen)Website: www.janewballard.com If You’re Struggling Right NowIf binge drinking, grief, or any kind of binge behavior is weighing on you, you are not alone—and there is real hope. Your first step doesn’t have to be perfect or public. It might be:Listening quietly to an online meetingCreeping in a Facebook group and reading others’ storiesSending a short email to a coach or therapistTelling one trusted person, “I think I need some help”Tiny steps count.Enjoying the Podcast?If this conversation resonated with you, it would mean so much if you would:Follow / Subscribe to Mindful Sobriety: The PodcastRate & review the show on your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with a friend who might need a little hope todayYour support truly helps this message reach more people who are quietly struggling and reminds them that a beautiful, alcohol-free life is absolutely possible. 💛
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    38 m
  • Why Parents are Embracing the Sober-Curious Movement

    Why Parents are Embracing the Sober-Curious Movement
    Oct 31 2025
    🎙️ Mindful Sobriety with Jane Ballard (stay tuned for more episodes with Amanda Cable coming soon!!)Episode: Why Parents Are Embracing the Sober-Curious MovementHost: Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C In this solo episode, Jane shares her answers to questions from health journalist Melissa Daly for TheBump.com about why today’s parents—especially millennials and Gen Z—are drinking less and embracing the sober-curious lifestyle.Jane explores how cultural shifts, mental health awareness, and the realities of parenting are influencing a generation to rethink alcohol. With warmth and clinical insight, she breaks down the science behind alcohol’s effects on stress, mood, and attachment—and why choosing to live alcohol-free may be one of the most powerful gifts you can give your children.🌿 Key TopicsWhy “mommy-wine culture” is losing its appealHow alcohol affects attachment and emotional presence in parentingThe physiological and emotional cost of alcohol on stress, mood, and sleepThe rise of alternative connection and wellness practices (like breathwork and sound healing)Practical strategies for decompressing without alcoholWhat it really means to parent with presence, patience, and self-compassion🧠 Jane’s Clinical InsightsAlcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen (in the same category as tobacco and asbestos). There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.For parents, alcohol dulls emotional attunement—making it harder to be responsive, accessible, and engaged (R.A.R.E.), the foundation of secure attachment.Choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol supports emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and deeper connection with your children.💡 In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy the sober-curious movement is more than a trend—it’s a cultural shift toward health, connection, and clarity.How to find your community of alcohol-free or sober-curious parents online and in person.Simple ways to decompress in the moment (breathing, movement, fresh air, rest).How to recognize and respond to intrusive thoughts and other perinatal mental health challenges.📚 Mentioned Resources & RecommendationsQuit-Lit (Books for the Sober-Curious)We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowenPush Off from Here by Laura McKowenQuit Like a Woman by Holly WhitakerThis Naked Mind by Annie GraceWellness Practices Jane MentionsSound Healing & Breathwork: Look for local events or facilitators in your city (try searching “sound healing + [your city]” on Instagram)Insight Timer App: Free meditations and guided breathwork (Jane mentions Taylor Somerville’s work, praised by Elizabeth Gilbert)🌍 Global Perinatal Mental Health ResourcesNo matter where you are, support is available. Below are trusted organizations offering help for postpartum anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts:United StatesPostpartum Support International (PSI) — Free helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (text “HELP” to 800-944-4773)CanadaPostpartum Support Canada — Directory of mental health professionals across provincesUnited KingdomPANDAS Foundation — Free helpline and peer support for perinatal mood disordersMind – Perinatal Mental Health — Information and support options for pregnancy and postpartumAustralia & New ZealandPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — Helpline: 1300 726 306Mothers Helpers NZ — Postnatal depression programs and online supportIndia & South AsiaPostpartum Support Network India — Education and local counselor directoryThe Mindful Life Practice — Yoga and mindfulness programs for alcohol-free women (founded by Alexandra McRobert)Global & OnlinePostpartum Support International Global Directory — Find certified perinatal mental health providers worldwideMaternal Mental Health Alliance — International nonprofit advancing maternal mental health awareness and policy🕊️ Closing Message“Being alcohol-free isn’t deprivation—it’s liberation. It’s the freedom to show up calm, consistent, and emotionally present for yourself and your family.” — Jane Ballard🔗 Connect with JaneInstagram: @janewballardWebsite: janewballard.comEmail: jane@janewballard.comPodcast: Mindful Sobriety with Jane & AmandaIf this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to like, rate, and review Mindful Sobriety wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women and parents who are curious about living with greater clarity, connection, and purpose. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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    25 m
  • Finding Friendship and Connection on the Sober Curious Path with Renee and Mara

    Finding Friendship and Connection on the Sober Curious Path with Renee and Mara
    Oct 9 2025

    Mindful Sobriety: Friendship, Playfulness & Trust with Renee Adams & Mara DeMauro

    "It’s not about not caring what people think—it’s about not letting it control you."

    Episode: Our first-ever returning-guest duo!

    Guests: Renee Adams & Mara DeMauro

    What You'll Hear: how a decade-long friendship evolved into sober curiosity, business partnership, and a playful approach to growth.

    Episode summary

    Renee and Mara return, this time together, to share the story of a friendship that began in grad school and bloomed into mutual mentorship, a joint podcast, and supportive sobriety paths. We talk about shifting from “am I drinking?” to “how do I want to live?”, navigating social events alcohol-free, what to do when moderation doesn’t stick, and why trust (not certainty) becomes the anchor. Expect honesty, laughter, and plenty of permission to be playful, weird, and fully yourself.

    Highlights & takeaways

    • Seeds take time. One sober wedding reel lit a spark that reshaped Renee’s choices months later. Plant seeds; they sprout when they’re ready.
    • From sober to playful. Mara’s lens has moved from alcohol status to aliveness—silliness, creativity, surfing, and juice-making as present-moment rituals.
    • Sober-ish is valid. Renee names “sober-ish/mindful” as her lane and explains why learning about alcohol’s effects made longer AF stretches feel natural.
    • Community ≠ a crowd. Sometimes it’s just one person who “speaks your language.” Their multifaceted bond—friends, mentors, business partners—keeps each moving.
    • If moderation keeps failing… Treat it as data, not defeat. Scale back triggers, build an “exposure ladder,” and practice discomfort tolerance.
    • Clarity vs. certainty. Sobriety can bring clarity, but it’s trust—in yourself and your path—that carries you through uncertain moments.
    • Rebuilding self-trust. Keep small promises (mocktail plan, leave-early option, walk at craving time). Each follow-through repairs confidence.

    Practical tips mentioned

    • Go in with a plan: check menus for mocktails, have a default order (sparkling water + lime, Coke Zero), and a ride-home/leave-early option.
    • Rehearse out loud: practice how you’ll respond when asked “you’re not drinking?” so it feels authentic in the moment.
    • Reduce load for a season: skip high-trigger settings while you build skills; loneliness/grief are normal—tend to them, don’t white-knuckle.
    • Swap, don’t stop: movement, fresh air, fruit/juicing, creativity, and “four rooms” check-ins (spiritual, creative, physical, mental) as daily anchors.


    Timestamps

    • 00:02 Welcome & why this duo matters
    • 01:47 Mara’s update: from AF focus to playfulness
    • 03:43 Renee’s update: sober-ish, movement, purpose
    • 07:05 Origin story: grad school to co-creators
    • 08:57 The “sober wedding” seed & authenticity
    • 14:25 Practice over perfection: caring without attachment
    • 16:06 Why one true ally beats a big crowd
    • 25:14 Tricky situations & conflict with compassion
    • 27:18 Mocktail plans, rehearsing lines & “data points”
    • 31:01 Exposure ladders, grief, and scaling triggers
    • 36:32 Clarity vs. certainty; choosing trust
    • 38:00 Rituals, the “four rooms,” and playful healing
    • 44:01 Where to find Renee & Mara


    Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode!

    Follow @janewballard and @dfwyogagirl on Instagram to stay in touch! And as always, be sure to rate, review and subscribe so we can continue to spread our message far and wide. We are so incredibly grateful for the support of our listeners!

    Connect with our guests

    • Renee Adams: Instagram @coach_radams (Coach_radams) • Website reneeadamscoaching.com
    • Mara DeMauro: Instagram @maradimaro • Website maradimaro.com
    • Their podcast: Nosedive — email topics to nosedivethepod@gmail.com
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    41 m
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